Uncertain future for children's centre (From Barry And District News)

Uncertain future for children's centre

THE GIBBONSDOWN Children's Centre is facing an uncertain future as it enters the New Year.

A black cloud hung over the centre's festive celebrations after the news that the Vale of Glamorgan Council is considering slashing its £53,000 annual grant donation.

This would mean almost certain closure of the vital community facility which has 200 children on the books and provides crucial low-cost child care.

Manager Gill Bloom was concerned that as the staff, toddlers and parents gathered for their nativity play just before Christmas, it could be the last special concert they would hold.

She said: "Up to this point, we have done all that we can to sway opinion to our favour.

"The surrounding community has supported us brilliantly, and we appreciate everyone's efforts.

"But we have to accept that our future is now in the hands of the council."

Gibbonsdown Children's Centre held an emotional nativity play at the end of December as staff and parents faced the reality that this could be their last concert.

There was a fantastic turn-out for the Christmas celebrations, and the children looked lovely in their seasonal finery.

But there was a touching moment at the end of the afternoon when centre manager Gill Bloom thanked parents for turning out, and for the support they had shown over the last few weeks.

There is a huge question mark over the future of the centre, after it was revealed that the Vale of Glamorgan Council was considering slashing the £53,000 annual budget.

Although the cash does not cover the whole amount needed to run the centre, it provides the security other financial providers require before they award funds.

Gill Bloom told the News: "We always face financial worries, but we have never had the uncertainty that we have now. It's very hard to go in to the new year without knowing the future of our centre.

"The support we have been shown by everyone in the community has been heart-warming. There have been concerts and fairs for us, and local councillors like Rob Curtis have helped by starting a petition. It is circulating the whole area, and asks people who feel strongly about keeping the centre open to sign their name to it.

"As usual, the children looked forward to Christmas, but we don't know how long the centre will be able to stay open if the decision goes against us.

"It has cast a shadow over our festivities, but we will possibly know our fate by as soon as February.

"It's a worrying time for all of us, parents and staff included, but we have done all we can to persuade the local authority how important this facility is. Now, it is in their hands."